Environment, Resources, Security (709IR)
Environment, Resources, Security
Module 709IR
Module details for 2022/23.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module explores the impacts of environmental changes and the distribution of natural resources on the global landscape of conflict and security. Asking questions such as ‘will climate change lead to more state failure?’, ‘what’s new about green grabbing?’, ‘whose interests does environmental security discourse serve?’ and ‘was Malthus right all along?’, the module combines reflection on the major theoretical approaches to environmental and resource security, with case study and comparative analysis of specific present-day environmental and resource challenges. Environmental security issues remain relatively marginal within IR and security studies. Ultimately the module asks: is this marginalisation at all warranted?
Module learning outcomes
Possess a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the major theoretical approaches (Malthusian, liberal, historical materialist, constructivist, post-colonial) to analysing the links between the environment, resources and security.
Understand and evaluate critically some of the major epistemological, methodological and conceptual issues in analysing the links between the environment, resources and security.
Engage in normative debate about what should be done in response to contemporary environmental and resource security challenges.
Possess comprehensive knowledge of a range of cases of contemporary environmental/resource conflict and insecurity, including of their causes, the debates surrounding them, and possible policy and other responses.
Formulate research questions and undertake original independent research on the environment, resources and security.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Anne Roemer-Mahler
Assess convenor
/profiles/285395
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
/profiles/214700
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.